Monday, May 30, 2011

Dear Readers,The noble thought for the day was started casually and surprisingly today we have together reached the first mile stone of circulating the 50th Noble Thought.Through Noble Thoughts we tried to capture the sayings of great personalities like Kanchi Periyava, Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Sathya Sai Baba, Thirumuruga Krupananda Variyar etc., Similarly we have covered the compositions of Saint Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, Subramania Bharathi, Sri Papanasam Sivan, Sri Sadashiva Brahmendral, Sant Tukaram, Sant Kabirdas, Sant Meerabai to name a few. Additionaly we have also gone through some important quotes from ancient literatures and scriptures like Thirukkural, Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, Moothurai, Kamba Ramayanam etc.Though the noble thought looks simple identifying, capturing and reproducing the same with meaning involves a considerable amount of time and at times even a small sloka takes a long time as we need to produce them without any mistakes and with correct meaning.The first 50 Noble Thoughts are summarised and presented here as “Golden Thoughts”.

I hereby request all my readers to share their valuable feedback and qualitative comments which will help us to enrich further.

Thanks & Warm Regards

A.V. DevanChennai-30.5.11

GOLDEN THOUGHTS – [VOLUME – 1]

Noble Thought # 1

"The mind is by nature restless. Begin liberating it from its restlessness; give it peace; make it free from distractedness; train it to look inward; make this a habit. This is done by ignoring theexternal world and removing the obstacles to peace of mind.”

Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi

Noble Thought # 2

The waves belong to the Ganges, not the Ganges to the waves. A mancannot realize God unless he gets rid of all such egotistic ideas as ‘I am such an important man’ or ‘I am so and so’. Level the mound of ‘I’ to the ground by dissolving it with tears of devotion.

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa

Noble Thought # 3

Whenever the mind unsteady and restless strays away from the spirit, let him ever and for ever lead it again to the spirit.

One should chant the Holy Name of the Lord and earn merit (Punniyam) for the next world. One may say that most of the time is spent to earn a livelihood and hence unable to find time to Chant. However, if you think through you will realize that we don’t actually spend the whole time towards earning money. How much time do we waste on unnecessary chitchatting, mockery, seeing unwanted things, unwanted commenting on the news appearing in the news papers, (*) Watching T.V. Programmes, Chatting in cellphones for long hours, Internet, etc., Why can’t we channelize those time positively towards Thinking and Chanting of the Holy Name of the Lord? Even if one could not spend exclusive / dedicated time towards that, one can however can chant while on the way to office like while travelling in the Bus, Train etc., Not even a single penny will accompany us when we leave this mortal world. The only value we could carry to the next world is Bhagavan Nama / Divine Name.

Sri Kanchi Mahaperiyava [Deivathin Kural] (*) Not in the Original words added for our better understanding.

Noble Thought # 5

Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one's weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.

Mahatma Gandhi

Noble Thought # 6

அறத்தினூங்கு ஆக்கமும் இல்லை அதனைமறத்தலின் ஊங்கில்லை கேடு

Arathinoongu Aakamum Illai AthanaiMarathalin Oongillai Kedu

There is no greater wealth one can acquire than the “Dharma” (merit obtained through noble Acts). Similarly it will be great misfortune if he dont follow or forgets it.

Thirukkural – Aran Valiyuruthal - Athikaram 4 – Kural 32

Noble Thought # 7

Manasu Nilpa Shakti Leka PotheMadhura Ghanta Virula Pujemi Jeyunu //

Ghana Durmadudai Ta MunigiteKaveri Mandakini Yetu Brochunu //

Somidamma Sogasugandra KoriteSomayaji Swargarhudauno //

Kama Krodhudu TapambonarchiteKasi Raksincuno Tyagaraja Nuta //

If one does not have the capacity to restrain the mind, what will worship with a swee-sounding bell and flowers accomplish //

If an arrogant person takes a holy dip, how Kaveri or Ganga can save him //

Will the performer of Soma Sacrifice become eligible for heaven if his wife desires a lover //

If a person given to lust and anger, performs penance, will it fructify and protect him //

Saint Tyagaraja

Noble Thought # 8

“frog caught by a serpent, while sitting in the latter’s mouth with half its body already swallowed, puts out its tongue and tries to catch hold of the small flies that happen to come near it. Similarly man, even when he is already caught by the serpent of Time, searches for sense enjoyments which are transitory. He works hard day and night undergoing much trouble to get them”

Those who do not bury their egoThose who do not control their sensesThose who do not contemplate the divine blissThose who always engrossed in either unwanted thinking or forgetfulnessThose who do not even for a moment realize Lord Muruga who glows inside the Pranava (Ohm)Those who doesn’t engage themselves in the service to the LordWhat they do when the emissaries of God of death near them?

Arunagirinathar – [Kandar Alankarm : Text 55]

Noble Thought # 10

“We are what our thoughts have made us ; so take care about what you think.Words are secondary. Thoughts live ; they travel far”

– Swami Vivekananda

Noble Thought # 11

நூல் முறை தெரிந்து சீலத்து ஒழுகு

Nool Murai Therinthu Seelathu Ozhugu

Understand clearly those said in the noble books and follow sincerely in your life

He Vittala you are my mother and I am your kid please don’t let me far away from youHe vittala you are the cow and I am your calf please don’t leave me without feedingHe vittala you are the deer and I am your fawn please don’t leave me alone and go awayHe vittala you are the bird and I am your chick please don’t leave me without nourishingHe vittala you are the turtle and I am your egg please feed me through your kind glanceI am in deep neck of this samsara sagara please pull out me from this He Vittala

Sant Thukaram Maharaj

Noble Thought # 16

Cut the reins. Cut them with the sword of God's name. The shackles of kala, time, are cut by KAli's name.

Oh God you are the creator of billions of blissYou merged consciousness with the matterFrom the five gross elements which emerged you created this wonderful UniverseYou have beautificully crafted all the galaxies which are colorful as if in a kaleidoscopeYou have created a state wherein one can realize the truth through knowledge and bhakti and attain salvationOh our dear God!

All the goodness and wealth will come to usThe pains and the sins will get defaced and wiped offThe tribulation of birth and death will get overAll just by uttering the two syllable word Rama in this birth itself

Everyone remembers him (GOD) in times of troubleNo one remembers him when in happinessOne who remembers and prays to him even when in happiness how sorrow can come?[i.e. If you remember GOD even when you are happy you will never be sad at all]

Sant Kabir Das [Kabir Doha]

Noble Thought # 21

Bare bhagya manush tan pawa, sur durlabh sadgranthan gawa.Sadhan dham moksha kar dwara. Paai na jehi parlok sanwara.It is through great good fortune that you have secured this human body which scriputures declare is difficult even to attain.This human body is the gateway leading to liberation. Having attained it you must strive to take care of your spiritual progress.

People generally depend on persons whom they think will help them when they become weak and old. Eventhough I am not qualified and eligible person, I have surrendered unto to you Oh my Lord. The other day you saved the Elephant Gajendra when it was caught by an aligator and cried out for your help. At the old age when i am fraught with disease i may not be able to call nay even think of you. Hence I would prefer to call you now itself when I am hale and healthy so that you can save me at my odd hours Oh my Lord Ranga Natha who is in reclining pose at divine Sri Ranga Shetra.

Even if a child forgets its motherEven if the mother forgets the childEven if the soul forgets the bodyEven if the body forgets the transient soulEven if I forget whatever I have learntEven if the eyes forget to blinkI will never ever forget the the divine “Nama Shivaya” which oozes out from the heart of his pure devotees.

· Man ! Enjoy the taste of the association with the wise and their teachings.· Enjoy the company of the true saints. In the early stage of purification, life becomes bitter and miserable but at the end of our sincere efforts to love God, life becomes as sweet as a naturally ripened mango on the mango tree.· Do not be too proud of your youth, beauty and other abilities because ultimately this beautiful body of yours will turn to ashes and along with it everything that you have nurtured for its sake will also leave you.· Elephants, horses, properties and wealth, none of these, including your dear ones and so called friends, will accompany you at the end.· The pure scriptures, the Upanishads, which are part of the Vedas, assert that we will be free in no time if we keep the company of the truly holy men or women.· Mirabai says in the name of her beloved Prabhu Giridhari, the Lord of the universe, to keep your mind and heart at the feet of our Lord; surrender your vanity to the Lord.

“O Kesava I wish to know about nature [prakrti], the enjoyer [purusa], Field [Ksetram], the knower of the field [Ksetra-jna], knowledge [jnanam] and the end of knowledge [jneyam].”The Blessed Lord then said“O Son of Kunti This body, is called the field and one who knows this body is called the knower of the field.”O scion of Bharata, you should understand that I am also the knower in all bodies, and to understand this body and its owner is called knowledge. That is My opinion.

Oh Goddess of the Universe, am I a playing doll for you?I have struggled enough after taking many births here in this world. Do you still want me to suffer?Are you happily enjoying my deep cry of calling you as “Oh Mother Oh Mother” so as to drink the nectar of your grace?With no other refuge I have surrendered unto your feet wouldn’t your heart take pity on me? Oh Goddess Uma! Oh Goddess of the Universe, am I a playing doll for you?

Papanasam Sivan

Noble Thought # 27

மலர்மிசை ஏகினான் மாணடி சேர்ந்தார்நிலமிசை நீடு வாழ்வார்

திருவள்ளுவர் [குறள் 1.3]

tDDTThose who surrends unto the glorious feet of the Lord who resides in the flower like heart will long live happily in this world.

I would like to sing your divine glories [Thirupugazh] out of sheer bhakthi [devotion] towards you for many many yearsKindly shower your grace to realize the truth and attain salvation in this life itselfThe Lord one who has all the noble qualitiesOne who is incomparable and resides at the hill abode of RathnagiriOne who has the supreme knowledge and who imprints the supreme knowledgeThe Lord one who adores the victorious spear [Vetri Vel] !

Oh man please chant the divine Raama MantraPlease don’t spoil your life by chanting some other mantraThis mantra was instructed by Lord Shiva to his consort Parvathi

This mantra can be recited aloud even by those who are low caste / low born and can be proclaimed in the main streetsThis mantra destroys sins of several kindsThis mantra is the easiest path that leads us to heaven

This mantra is constantly remembered by the Son of Wind God [Lord Hanuman]This mantra is the refuge of all the sagesThis mantra is like forest fire to the jungle of sinsThis mantra has saved Vibhishana and given him the Crown

This mantra is the essence of all the VedasThis mantra is the ultimate mantra to attain salvationThis mantra is the principal mantra for those who puruse bhakthi marga (devotional path)This is purandara vittala’s greatest mantra [Maha Mantra]

This mantra is constantly revered by Anandateertha (Madhvacharya)This mantra is the mantra of the scion of Solar DynastyThis is the mantra of Purandara Vittala, one who protects the poor

They speak of the three - Pathi [God], Pasu [Soul] and Paasa [Bondage] Pasu and Paasa are Beginningless like Pathi But the Pasu-Pasa nears not the Pathi supreme But if the Pathi nears the Pasu and Paasa disappears

It is good to see noble personsIt is good to hear the words of those noble personsIt is good to speak about their deeds of those noble personsIt is good to align with those noble persons

Ovvaiyar – [ Moothurai – 8 ]

Noble Thought # 33

Kandal ottariyunnathu chilar,Athu kandalum thiriya chilarkethumeKandathu onnume satyamallennathuMumbe kandariyunnathu chilarSome people are able to know when they see,But others do not know even if they see it.Some people know that all what we see is not the truthFor they have seen it earlier and experienced.Comment: The poet poonthnam tells us that in our capacity to understand the real truth about God and salvation we are very much different among our selves.

Poonthanam [Jnaanapana – 4]

Noble Thought # 34

அருணாசலம் என அகமே நினைப்பவர்அகத்தை வேர் அறுப்பாய் அருணாசலா

பகவான் ஸ்ரீ ரமண மகர்ஷி [அக்ஷரமணமாலை - 1]

Arunachalam ena agame ninap-pavaragathai ver aruppai arunaachala

Thou dost root out the ego of those who meditate on Thee in the heart, O Arunachala!

Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi [Akshara Mana Maalai – 1]

Noble Thought # 35

By constantly repeating, ‘I am free, I am free’, a man verily becomes free. On the other hand, by constantly repeating, ‘I am bound, I am bound’, he certainly becomes bound to worldliness. The fool who says only, ‘I am a sinner, I am a sinner’, verily drowns himself in worldliness. One should rather say: ‘I have chanted the name of God. How can I be a sinner? How can I be bound?’

-Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa

Noble Thought # 36

பற்றுக பற்றற்றான் பற்றினை அப்பற்றைப்பற்றுக பற்று விடற்கு

திருவள்ளுவர் (குறள் - 350)

Patruga Patratraan Patrinai AppatraipPatruga Patru Vidarkku

Desire the desire of HIM who is without desireDesire that desire to renounce the desire

Can there be another God equal to Sabapathi of ChidambaramCan we get another merciful one like him on this EarthJust by uttering once “Shiva Chidambaram” is sufficientNo other penance is required to attain salvationAll the sages attained his feet which we come to know through scripturesCan there be another God equal to the Sabapathi of Chidambaram one who is worshipped and sung by Gopalakrishnan?

Oh, Mind ! Undertake your pilgrimage around the Brahman.Let the mind go about the hairlock of the Lord which is decorated with the Peacock’s fine feathers. The cheeks of the Supreme One outwit the brightness of a mirror.

Let the mind be with the Lord who goes around Goddess Lakshmi. For his devotees, He is a Kalpavriksha in the court yard. Let the mind be filled with the Lord who is a Kalpavriksha in hearts of His devotees.Ascetics see this brightness as a Chandra Chakora (bright coloured parrot, meaning, festivity to the eyes). Let the mind complete the pilgrimage with the flow of the music from the Lord's flute.

Boast not of your wealth or relatives & friends or youthSwitfer than eyes can wink, by time each one of these is stolen awayGive up the illusion of the world andJoin yourself to timeless Truth

Sri Adi Sankara [Bhaja Govindam – 11]

Noble Thought # 41

“….Sages like Janaka performed worldly duties. They performed them, bearing God in their minds as a dancing girl dances keeping jars or trays on her hand. Haven’t you seen how the women in north-west India walk, talking and laughing while carrying water-pitchers on their heads?”

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa

Noble Thought # 42

Bound by his own ignorance alone, performing various actions, the individual remains deluded. By good fortune he is freed from bondage by the knowledge of the self as a result of contemplation and emerges victorious. (5)Sleeping because of Maya, the individual sees thousands of dreams. An exceptional individual is awakened from this sleep by the instruction of his Guru and shines in the ocean of bliss. (6)Note.In the waking state also every one is under the influence of Maya. He sees the world which is not real and so the waking state is also like dream. It is only when he attains self-knowledge that he is awakened from the sleep of Maya and realizes his identity with Brahman which is supreme bliss. Only some exceptional individuals who have acquired the necessary qualifications such as total detachment, etc., can attain to self-knowledge.

Sri Sadashiva Brahmendral (Atma Vidya Vilasa - 5 & 6)

Noble Thought # 43

“For a bird to fly in the sky it needs two wings. Similarly for worshipping God also we need two important things i.e. Bhakthi (Love towards God) and Right Conduct (Aacharam or Ozhukkam). Bhakthi without right conduct or right conduct without bhakti is useless.”Thirumuruga Sri Kripananda Variyar Swamigal

Now, therefore, I will try to explain the process of devotional service. (1)Devotional service manifests as the most elevated, pure love for God. (2)This pure love for God is eternal. (3)Upon achieving that stage of transcendental devotional service in pure love of God, a person becomes perfect, immortal, and peaceful. (4)A person engaged in such pure devotional service neither desires anything for sense gratification, nor laments for any loss, nor hates anything, nor enjoys anything on his personal account, nor becomes very enthusiastic in material activity. (5)

Mediate on Guru, Meditate always on Guru since there is no one else who can guide us. Worshiping of Guru should be our daily routine.Doing service to Guru should be our penance.Santheeswar confirms that GURU is Parabrahma i.e. one who is omnipotent, omiscient and omnipresent.

I contemplate on the great Ganapathi.One who is worshipped by sages like Vashista and Vamadeva.The son of Lord Shiva and the one praised by Lord SubrahmanyaThe one who is resplendent like crores of manmathas, and who is very calm.The one who is fond of epic literary works and dramas.The one who has a mouse as his vehicle and is fond of modakas.

One may give million cows as charity on the day of an eclipseOne may reside in Prayaga on the banks of Ganga for a Kalpa (thousands of years)One may perform thousands of yajnas (sacrifice) and give mounts of gold as charityStill all these cannot be compared with one hundredth particle of singing the glories of Govinda!

This divine energy of mine (maya) which is made of three modes of gunas viz., satva, rajo and tamas, is very difficult to overcome. However those who seek and surrender unto me can easily cross over it.

Srimad Bhagavad Gita – Chapter 7 – Text 14

Acknowledgement

For all the GURUs / Spiritual masters who have showered their GOLDEN THOUGHTS.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

I am delighted to present the maiden article on the new series of article about Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi. Arpanam means offering since the article is an offering to Sri Ramana I thought it would be apt to title it as “Ramanarpanam”.

The issue contains the excerpts from the biography, teachings, miracles and experiences of the devotees, of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi. In this issue under the biography we can read Bhagavan’s birth details. You will be surprised to find an old lady who was in the labor room after seeing the bright face of the child predicted that the baby was an avatar!.

Sri Ramana’s teachings were not given in general. In fact, the Sage had no use for “lectures” or “discourses”. His words were primarily addressed to the particular aspirant who felt some difficulty in his spiritual path and sought to have it resolved. But as the same difficulties arise in the quest after the Self and as the method of resolving them is the same, the Maharshi’s replies to questions have the quality of Universality which are given under the title “Talks with Bhagavan”. Under the Miracles of Maharshi, the experience of Mr. Paul Brunton is shared. Paul Brunton was born in London in 1898. He served in a tank division during the First World War and later devoted himself to mysticism and came into contact with Theosophists. By meeting a person in a bookshop in Bloomsburry he got interested in travelling to India. In the early 1930s Brunton embarked on a voyage to India, which brought him into contact with luminiaries such as Meher Baba, Kanchi Sankaracharya (Periyava) and Sri Ramana Maharshi. Brunton has been credited with introducing Ramana Maharshi to the West through his books “A Search in Secret India” and “The Secret Path”. His experience is shared in this episode.

It was the Ardra Darshan celebrated as the day when Siva showed his ananda-tandava (dance of bliss) to Patanjali and others at Chidambaram in fulfillment of a promise made to Adisesha at Daruka forest. In the village of Tiruchuzhi, Boominatheswara along with his consort Sahayamba, was about to enter his abode after going around the streets of the village blessing his devotees. To the northeast of the temple was the house of Sundaram Iyer, whose wife Alagamma was in labor to deliver her third child. Lakshmi Ammal the mother of Sundaram Iyer and an old lady of poor eyesight, their neighbour, were in the room.*

[*This house has since been taken over by the management of Sri Ramanasramam and is known as Sundara Mandiram. Daily worship is offered to Sri Ramana’s picture here.]

That was December 29, 1879 well past midnight, hence it was December 30. The moon was in the constellation of Punarvasu. Bhoominatha halted a while at the entrance of the temple and there in the house a male child was born. Sundaram Iyer’s mother was disappointed and gave expression to it. The lady of poor sight asked the reason for her disappointment to which she replied, “You know very well that my daughter Lakshmi is no more, her son Ramasami is growing up here. The first child was a girl who has gone. The second is Nagaswami. Now again it is a boy. If the child had been a girl we could have married her off to my daughter’s son. Where is the chance now? How will the family tie continue? This is all I am destined for!”.

The old lady admonished her and consoled her, “Enough of this, be quiet. The boy is darling. He is enveloped in great light. Don’t you see, he is an avatar? How can you weep over this?”.

How did that lady of poor sight know?

According to the Solar Calendar it was the 16th day of Margazhi of Pramadi year. According to the Lunar Calendar it was Pramadi, Margaseersha, Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight), 2nd day, night 19 ½ ghadis, Tula Lagna.

2. The family

The family deity was Sri Venkateswara. Sundaram Iyer’s elder brother was named after him as Venkateswara Iyer – a fine person who used to offer half of his earnings to the Goddess Sahayamba. He became disinterested in worldly affairs even by the time he was eighteen. Saying that he would pay a visit to Tirupparankundram near Madurai he left home for good. He lived as a renunciate at Chidambaram and spent his time cleaning up the pathways surrounding the temple for the benefit of devotees. The new born was named Venkateswara after the paternal uncle and the family Deity.

One of Sundaram Iyer’s paternal uncles was also a renunciate by name Sivananda Yogi, which was why when his father, Nagaswami Iyer passed away before the children came of age, the burden of the family fell on Sundaram Iyer. As a boy of sixteen he took up a job as a clerk on a monthly wage of two rupees. Intelligent, hardworking and popular he quickly learnt how to draft legal documents. He was tactful in his dealings with the officials as well as common people. Even without appearing for any tests he obtained a license to be a pleader, a facility then available. He quickly established himself and became prosperous. He built a large house which had two portions – one to serve his domestic needs and the other to be a guest house. Officials who were posted to Tiruchuzhi stayed there until they secured their own accommodation. Sundaram Iyer knew what hardship was and so his was an open house for the needy. Alagamma never turned away anyone who needed food. She was Goddess Annapoorna herself!. The couple became well known for their goodness, generosity and appropriate conduct. In fact both the words Sundaram and Alagu mean the same – beauty!.

In the house regular worship of Siva, Vishnu, Ganesa, Surya and Sakti was carried out. As one of the Village elders Sundaram Iyer helped in organizing purana-kalakshepas at the temple and was generally helpful in temple affairs also. He never went about exhibiting his devotion openly, possibly he had a preference for the jnana-marga. He was of a serious temperament and was not quiet free with or very close to his wife, brothers or children. Alagamma, on the other hand was quite open about her devotion – she went about reciting the Dakshinamurti stotra and similar vedantic hymns. She made it a point to learn as many devotional songs as possible and used to go to anybody’s house in the village to learn a new song. She got initiated into the sakti-panchakshari japa. She was quite orthodox and performed Surya namaskaras regularly.

Sundaram Iyer’s family belonged to the Dravida, Smarta, Brahacharana lineage. They followed the Yajus Sakha, Apasthamba Sutras. They belonged to the Parasara gotra with Vasista sakti Parasara rishis. Their family name was Tiruchuzhi.

Talks with Bhagavan

A wandering monk (Sannyasi) was trying to clear his doubt : “How to realize that all the world is God?”

Maharshi :

If you make your outlook that of wisdom, you will find the world to be God. Without knowing the Supreme Spirit (Brahman), how will you find His all-pervasiveness?A question was asked as to the nature of happiness.

Maharshi :

If a man thinks that his happiness is due to external causes and his possessions, it is reasonable to conclude that his happiness must increase with the increase of possessions and diminish in proportion to their diminution. Therefore if he is devoid of possessions, his happiness should be nil.

What is the real experience of man? Does it conform to this view? In deep sleep the man is devoid of possessions, including his own body. Instead of being unhappy he is quite happy. Everyone desires to sleep soundly. The conclusion is that happiness is inherent in man and is not due to external causes. One must realize his Self in order to open the store of unalloyed happiness.

Maharshi was asked by an educated young man : “How do you say that the Heart is on the right, whereas the biologists have found it to be on the left?”. The man asked for authority.

Maharshi :

Quite so. The physical organ is on the left; that is not denied. But the Heart of which I speak is non-physical and is only on the right side. It is my experience, no authority is required by me. Still you can find confirmation in a Malayalam Ayurvedic book and in Sita Upanishad and he produced the quotation (mantra) from the latter and repeated the text (sloka) from the former.A question was asked by a monk (Sannyasi) about how to prevent the mind from being distracted.

Maharshi :

You see the objects on forgetting your own self. If you keep hold of your Self, you will not see the objective world.

When asked if occult powers (siddhis) can be achieved along with Omnipotence (Iswaratva) as mentioned in the last verse of Dakshinamurti Ashtakam.

Maharshi :

Let Omnipotence be accomplished first and then the other question may be raised.Someone enquired “Why is it said in scriptures that the Sage is like a child?”

Maharshi :

A child and a Sage (Jnani) are similar in a way. Incidents interest a child only so long as they last. It ceases to think of them after they have passed away. So then, it is apparent that they do not leave any impression on the child and it is not affected by them mentally. So it is with a Sage.

Can destiny (karma) ever come to an end?

Maharshi :

The karmas carry the seeds of their own destruction in themselves.A man asked the Maharshi to say something to him. When asked what he wanted to know, he said that he knew nothing and wanted to hear something from the Maharshi.

Maharshi :

You know that you know nothing. Find out that knowledge. That is liberation (mukti).

Miracles of Maharshi

Dr. Paul Brunton (1898-1981), a British Journalist, attracted by Indian mysticism first visited India in 1930. Author of eleven books, he has emphasized the value and importance of the Self within us. He is generally considered as having introduced meditation to the West. He once wrote : “Sri Ramana was a spiritual torch carried to the waiting souls in the West. I was only the unimportant ‘link-boy’, the humble carrier.” The Paul Brunton Philosophic Foundation, New York, has posthumously published his post 1952 writings in 16 volumes. He was awarded a doctorate in Philosophy by the Roosevelt College, USA. During his first visit, among many saints and yogis, Brunton also met Sri Ramana. He stayed for a few weeks in an improvised shelter very close to Sri Ramana’s Ashram.

The number of full time devotees being limited at that time, Brunton had ample opportunity of observing the Maharshi at close quarters and interacting with him. He provides a dispassionate, illuminating and intimate account of Maharshi’s divinity and its impact in his A Search in Secret India published from London in 1934.

In his inimitable way he (Mr. Paul Brunton) says :

There is something in this man which holds my attention as steel filings are held by a magnet. I cannot turn my gaze away from him. I become aware of a silent, resistless change, which is taking place within my mind. One by one, the questions which I prepared with such meticulous accuracy drop away. I know only that a steady river of quietness seems to be flowing near me; that a great peace is penetrating the inner reaches of my being, and that my thought-tortured brain is beginning to arrive at some rest. I perceive with sudden clarity that intellect creates its own problems and then makes itself miserable trying to solve them. This is indeed a novel concept to enter the mind of one who has hitherto placed such high value upon intellect.

I surrender myself to the steadily deepening sense of restfulness. The passage of time now provokes no irritation, because the chains of mind-made problems are being broken and thrown away.

And then, little by little, a question takes the field of consciousness. Does this man, the Maharshi, emanate the perfume of spiritual peace as the flower emanates fragrance from its petals? I begin to wonder whether by some radioactivity of the soul, some unknown telepathic process, the stillness which invades the troubled water of my soul really comes from him. The peace overwhelms me.

The Maharshi turns and looks down into my face; I, in turn, gaze expectantly up at him. I become aware of a mysterious change taking place with great rapidity in my heart and mind. The old motives which have lured me on begin to desert me. The urgent desires which have sent my feet hither and thither vanish with incredible swiftness. The dislikes, misunderstandings, coldness and selfishness which have marked my dealings with many of my fellows collapse into the abyss of nothingness. An untellable peace falls upon me and I know that there is nothing further that I shall ask from life. The sage seems to carry something of great moment to me, yet I cannot easily determine its precise nature. It is intangible, imponderable, perhaps spiritual. Each time I think of him a peculiar sensation pierces me and causes my heart to throb with vague but lofty expectations. I look at the Sage. He sits there on Olympian heights and watches the panorama of life as one apart. There is a mysterious property in this man which differentiates him from all others I have met.

Under the biography we can see our Paramacharya’s first Vijaya Yatra to Tiruvanaikkaval a holy place situated near Tiruchi. The visit was to see the Kumbabhishekam being performed at the Temple. Later Periyava visits his Paramaguru’s (Maha Devendra Sarasvati) Adishtanam at Ilayathangudi.

In the section teachings of Mahaperiyava talks upon the “Ways to reduce Crime” explains the responsibility for every citizen and those who are in the Government, which is relevant in the current situation.

Under the Mircales of Mahaperiyava we are going to unravel the experience of North Indian Setji which I believe reveal the significance of our dharma shastras.

Finally the sayings of Periyava has been captured in the form of “Ten Commandments” for us to read and contemplate.

I hope you will cherish reading this!

Please give your valuable feedback.

Happy reading!

Warm Regards,

A.V. Devan4.5.2011 /Chennai

Excerpts from the Biography

First Vijaya Yatra

The Peetathipathis of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam had taken upon themselves as part of their pontifical duties, traveling around, giving audience to people, giving them advice and encouraging their spiritual growth. Our swamigal also wanted to take on such a journey after becoming the Peetathipathi. The pilgrimage temple Thiruvanaikaval situated near Tiruchirapalli was a very famous place said to have been built by Kochengad Chozhan in the sangam times. Adisankara had performed Thatanga Prathistai [Consecration of Golden Ear Rings] to the Sri Akilandeshwari Ambal in that temple.

The S. Ram family from Kanadukathan had spent lakhs of rupees in renovating the temple and had arranged for its Kumbahishekam to be conducted in February of 1908. It was well known event of that period. Sri Saraddha Mutt Peetadipathi, Jagadguru Sri Narasimha Bharathi Swamigal also graced this event with his presence. Specially appointed administrative officer Sri Rajam Iyer took care of all arrangements for the Kumbabhishekam.

An invitation was sent to the young Swamigal to participate in the Kumbahishekham. For Swamigal who was already eager to go on a yatra, this turned out to be an opportune reason. He left Kumbakonam on an auspicious day, reached a week before the event and was witness to the successful completion of the Kumbahishekam. After the event, Swamigal stayed for a couple of days at Pandamangalam agraharam, which is situated close to the Uraiyur, the historic capital of Chola Kings.

Darshan of Paramaguru’s Adhishtanam

Swamigal wanted to have darshan of the adhistanam of 65th Acharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, Sri Maha Devendra Saraswathi Swamigal. The adhistanam is situated in the village of Illayanthangudi, located in the Ramanathapuram district. Enroute he passed Kadiyappati, Konapattu, Keezha Sevalpatti and other villages belonging to Chettinadu where he was received with honors by the villagers as well as prominent members of the Chettinadu community. While he stayed few days in these places, he was persuaded to stay for 15 days at Pudukkottai. Both the royalty and the people of Pudukkottai have historically been closely associated with the Kanchi Mutt. They gathered together in great numbers to have darshan of their young guru and celebrated his stay in a grand manner. The King’s younger brother Sri Vijaya Ragunatha Durairaja, Diwan Venkataramadas Naidu and other Government officials gave a royal welcome to Swamigal. The temple in Ilayathangudi was the oldest of all temples in Chettinadu. It was once the common temple for the all of the Nagarathar Community before they split into eight divisions (Mathur, Vairavan Koil, Iraniyur, Pillayarpatti, Nemam, Iluppaikudi, Soorakudi and Velangudi) and founded famous temples there. The residing deity in Ilayathangudi is Sri Nithya Kalyani sametha Kailasanathar.

The 65th pontiff of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, Sri Maha Devendra Saraswathi Swamigal stayed at Ilayathangudi for a few months during his yatra of Chettinadu. The nagarathar of the local temple showed their affection and respect to the Acharya and made all necessary arrangements for his comfortable stay. One day the Acharya was walking around the village and stopped at a place full of thorny bushes and stayed there for a while. The next day, he requested the local Devasthana trust, if they could donate that piece of land to the mutt. The trust members, not understanding the Acharya, offered to donate another piece of land near there. But the Swamigal insisted on the same piece of land. Within a week of this event, Swamigal’s health dwindled and he attained siddhi on Thursday, a new moon day, 8th day of Panguni in the year of Virodhi (20-3-1980). The local people amazed at the events that happened a week ago, established the adhishtanam in the place pointed by the Swamigal and also installed a Shivalingam and Adi Shankara’s statute there. That temple is maintained by Ilayathangudi Devasthanam even today. Our Swamigal, having exemplary devotion to Guru, left for Thiruvanaikaval with the intention of going to Ilayathangudi. From Pudukottai, he went to Ilayathangudi to have darshan of the Adhishtanam and on the way back, stayed in Thiruvanaikaval where he spent his first Chaturmasya Vratha.

He returned to Kumbakonam via Tanjore. The royal family of Tanjore including the queens Sri Jeejambhabai, Sri Ramambhabai, Senior Prince Shivajiraja Saheb and junior prince Prathabaasimharaja Saheb welcomed Swamigal to the palace where they performed bhikshavandanam and paada puja. The public were also invited to participate in the pujas and obtain the blessings of the Swamigal. The procession arranged by the public in Tanjore was very grand and lasted from seven in the evening to two in the morning, when they returned to the Mutt.

Deivathin Kural - Teachings of Mahaperiyava

The way to reduce Crime

Why does a government exist? In a country those who are strong may subject the weak to cruelty. A large group may create difficulties for a smaller group. Some people may join together and force a person to give up his house, property etc and appropriate them illegally. A government came into existence to ensure that such things do not happen and there is order. What does this government do to prevent those indulging in wrong doings from doing so? It gives punishment. Many people are prevented from indulging in wrong actions for fear of punishment.

To a person who has committed some cruel acts, the government metes out more cruelty. If a person robs ten rupees, the person who is the victim suffers only a little but greater suffering is inflicted on the one who stole by way of imprisonment for several days. It is only by so doing that a person will not indulge in the same crime again and also others will be afraid to commit the crime. This is the basis on which the law relating to punishment has been formulated. When we look at human psychology, this has to be accepted.

But at the same time, the government should develop a better method than this. Someone being punished after he has committed a crime or someone not indulging in crime for fear of punishment and not out of the feeling of Dharma are only secondary. What is most desirable is to ensure that people do not at all get thoughts of indulging in crime.

The governments may have to follow in practice the Artha Sasthra that when someone indulges in a cruel crime, the government has to inflict greater cruelty on the one who committed the crime. At the same time, the government has to understand at least as an ideal that this Artha Sasthra has to fall at the feet of Dharma Shastra.

If the government creates an atmosphere in which good people following the Dharma Sasthra come up in large numbers, the tendency of people to indulge in crime will gradually decline. If there are ways by which, those who know Dharma and follow Dharma can grow in numbers, they by their own example will spread peace and good conduct. Wars and crimes will come down.

To begin with, those holding positions in the government should be those who follow Dharma. Those who are committed to the ways of Dharma should conduct the affairs of the state in such a way that people would believe that what they say and do is not for their own good but for the people only. If those who are committed to Dharma tell the people in a peaceful way about Dharma, people will conduct themselves according to it.

The government alone cannot create a crimeless state. People who are committed to Dharma should join hands with the government and should do this. The government should create the atmosphere conducive for such people to act according to Dharma.

The government should concentrate more on enlarging the circle of those committed to Dharma than increasing the police and the courts. The government should provide enthusiastic support to those who preach Dharma in a peaceful manner with the object of helping others and not themselves. By such enthusiasm more such people will come up. To show by personal example is more powerful than preaching. If courts are increasing it means that crimes are on the rise. Instead of this if there are more temples, greater peace will spread everywhere. The Kings in olden times built temples instead of courts. They renovated old temples. All arts or recreation were made divine and dedicated to the temple. People also worshipped at the temples and were peaceful. The social discard and misunderstanding which are now prevalent were not there. Instead of making laws to prevent crimes, people should be shown a proper path and turned to it and thus reduce the chances of their thinking of crime and indulging in it. It is best to show what is good and ensure peace instead of meeting out punishment. Such a peace only will remain permanent. It is enough if the government treats with respect, those who are for peace, good people and those committed to Dharma. These good qualities will on their own grow among the people.

Mahaperiyava Miracles

Mukkur & Setji

Mukkur Sri Lakshmi Narasimhacharya was a renounced exponent on religious discourses was an ardent devotee of Kanchi Periyava. Before commencing his discourse he invariably talks about Periyava and his greatness and then only proceed further on his deliberations.

Once a North Indian Setji used to attend his religious discourse as a routine. The Setji had a disease and he could not eat through the mouth and food was injected in his body through the stomach. All his attempts to cure the disease viz., medication, visit to many temples, doing parikaras etc., were eventually failed. Upon hearing the greatness of Periyava through Mukkur Setji decided to visit Periyava and requested Mukkur to take him to Periyava. Mukkur informed Setji that he will seek the permission first from Periyava himself and then he will take to him.

Mukkur then met Periyava and informed about Setji and his request for meeting Periyava. Periyava, however replied in negative and said “not now”. Later when Setji asked Mukkur regarding his meeting of Periyava, Mukkur tried telling Setji that the meeting will happen later. However he could not withstand the pestering Setji and one day took him straight to the place where Periyava was staying and then informed Periyava that the Setji has come to meet him.Periyava then told Mukkar to inform him to engage himself in devotional and other religious activities so that he will be cured by the Grace of the God. Mukkur however replied Periyava that Setji is already engaged in all sorts of devotional activities and even gives more in charity.Periyava then thought for a while and asked Mukkur

“Will he do what I say?”

“I Will ask him to do Periyava”

“Will he print all the eighteen Puranas as separate books in Sanskrit and donate them to all the Vedic Scholars?”

“Definitely Periyava”

Periyava then blessed both Mukkur and Setji and send them off.

Setji upon his return started printing the Puranas in Sanskrit and started distributing to all the Vedic Scholars located in various States.

Even after publishing 17 out of the 18 Puranas there was no sign of recovery for Setji. However Setji’s dedication was awesome and he continued the noble activity despite his ill health.

The grace of Mahaperiyava started pouring when he commenced the activity for the 18th Purana which is Skanda Purana i.e. Purana which details the divine glory of Lord Skanda or Muruga. His health started improving and he started eating through the mouth slowly. Setji and his family very happy on this.

Mukkur and Setji later visited Periyava and thanked periyava.

Mukkur told “Only by the Grace of Periyava Setji got cured.”

However Mahaperiyava humbly denied and told them it is divine power of the Dharma Shastras (Religious Scriputres) of our Country that has cured him and showered his blessings on them!

Ten Commandments of Mahaperiyava

1. Salvation is sure for a person if he merely performs the karma-anushtanas (duties & rituals) as prescribed in the Vedas.

2. Sountharya Lahari is nothing but the Sountharyam (divine beauty) of Ambal’s face which is radiating and pervades everywhere (Lahari).

3. The saanithya (prime spot) for the cow is in its back. For the elephant it is in the Masthaga. For the Vilvam the significance lies in the bottom side of the leaf. For the Lotus the sannithya is in its upper portion.

4. For the pavithra sthree (noble ladies) the sannithya is in the upper portion of the head known as Seemantham. The pavithra sthrees should apply Kungumam at the seemantham.

5. The Paramatma or the Supreme Soul is like our non separable bandhu (close relative).

Through bhakti or devotion we unconsciously merge with that Paramatama. Till we merge there will not be any peace or Shanthi.

6. Ignorance of truth is like a disease. The medicine to cure this disease is to realize the Jnana. One who helps us to realize that Jnana (Anugraha) is Ambal, who is the Jaganmatha. If one mediates on Ambal the divine mother, she will feed us with the (Jaana-ppaal), Knowledge Milk. We will realize the bliss if we mediate on Ambal. The ignorance will be removed and will be blessed with the divine truth.

7. We are “Pasu” tied with the knot of attachment “Paasam”. If the Pathi (God) cuts that “Paasam” knot, we the “Pasu” can join that “Pathi” and become very close to him.

8. The lower portion of the Linga is called as “Brahma Baagam”. The middle portion is known as “Vishnu Baagam” and the upper portion is “Shiva Baagam”. The Jyoti is Linga and Linga is nothing but Jyoti. If one notices a Jyoti, the lower portion will be Yellow in colour, the middle portion will be Black and the upper portion is of Red colour. The yellow colour is that of colour of Brahma, the middle Black colour is that of Vishnu and the Red colour is that of Shiva.

9. Advaita is the basis for smooth cross border relationship, politics, economics, and social relationship.

10. The entire world is one family. The family’s mother is Ambal and Father is Ishwaran.